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🇫🇷 France /Energy & Infrastructure

France Launches Second Aid Package for Transport Companies Amid High Fuel Costs

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • France has launched a second exceptional aid package for public road transport companies struggling with fuel costs.
  • The new measures, effective July 5, modify eligibility criteria to better support vulnerable businesses.
  • Companies can receive up to 60,000 euros, with aid amounts varying by vehicle type, and professional organizations have expressed satisfaction with the revised criteria.

France is introducing a second round of exceptional financial aid for public road transport companies facing high fuel expenses. This new support mechanism, detailed in a decree published Saturday and effective Sunday, July 5, aims to extend assistance to a broader range of struggling businesses.

The novelty lies in the attribution criteria, which are modified to better respond to the demand of the most vulnerable companies.

— Ministry of TransportExplaining the changes in the second aid package.

The program allows eligible companies to receive a one-time subsidy of up to 60,000 euros. The specific amount varies based on the vehicle category, ranging from 70 euros for ambulances to 500 euros for certain freight transport vehicles. The primary innovation in this second phase lies in the revised eligibility criteria for aid exceeding 5,000 euros, which the Ministry of Transport stated are designed to "better meet the demand of the most vulnerable companies."

Companies are now eligible if the ratio of their current operating income before taxes to their turnover is 3% or less over the two most recent accounting periods prior to April 30, 2026. The ministry explained that this ratio addresses the needs of companies that lease vehicles as well as those that invest, reflecting a demand from the sector.

This ratio allows us to meet the needs of companies that rent vehicles as well as those that invest and corresponds to a demand from the sector.

— Ministry of TransportJustifying the revised eligibility criteria.

Professional organizations have reacted positively to the changes. The European Road Haulers Organization (Otre) expressed satisfaction with the modified criteria, although it lamented the lengthy payment processing times. Otre had previously criticized the initial aid measures as unfair and discriminatory, arguing they excluded a significant portion of businesses from receiving substantial support. They believe the updated criteria will allow many more companies to benefit.

with satisfaction the modification of the eligibility criteria for aid granted to road hauliers.

— Organisation des transporteurs routiers européens (Otre)Commenting on the revised aid measures.

In addition to these subsidies, French transport companies significantly impacted by rising fuel prices, exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East, can also apply for deferrals of social security contributions and tax payments, according to previous government announcements.

excessively long payment delays.

— Organisation des transporteurs routiers européens (Otre)Expressing dissatisfaction with payment processing times.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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